Slidell CCA banquet Monday at Elks Lodge

For a majority of time, the Coastal Conservation Association is on the front lines, advocating for the fishing environment and maintaining a respect for the passion of the sport. On Sept. 12, the Slidell CCA Chapter will lighten the mood a bit when it hosts its annual banquet at the Elks Lodge.

Chris Granger / The Times-Picayune archiveThe Slidell Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association will have a benefit banquet on Sept. 12 at the Slidell Elks Lodge.

The Slidell and Northshore Chapters recently held fishing seminars to promote awareness of the latest in night vision and sonar technology as well as cooking demonstrations for the catch of the day.

“We welcome people to come out and support the mission to preserve the area’s fishing habitat,” said Captain John Falterman. “Our organization works very hard on many different fronts to ensure a safe and fun and clean environment.”

The cost of the event is $60, part of which goes to the yearly CCA dues. The rest includes the cost of the dinner. Special priced spouse and associate tickets also are available for $30. Those under the 17 are available for $25. For more information regarding the banquet, call Falterman at 504.915.0693 or Ron Harris at 985.640.6405.

Festivities begin with an open bar and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. Some of the items available include jewelry and various types of fishing equipment. Dinner is at 7 p.m., and the live auction for a trip to Costa Rica is set for 8 p.m.

The event ends at 10 p.m. Last year’s banquet drew almost 400 people.

“This will be an evening of fun for those who attend,” Falterman said. “For people interested in joining, it’s a great opportunity for them to meet some of our members and share their passion for what we do.”

The CCA is actively involved with the fish kill situation in Pearl River. The group seeks to ascertain the damages while enlisting the help of fish hatcheries to replenish the stock once the problem is contained and neutralized. The organization also is working with BP on building up the marine life lost because of the oil rig explosion.

The CCA is one of the most active organizations dedicated to Louisiana marine resources. In addition to partitioning legislation for catch limits, banning gill nets, monitoring fish populations and helping scientists with tag and release programs, it also educates fisherman on locating and how to catch.